TTC Gold Brown vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Brown and the TTC Yunhai present distinct yet appealing options that cater to different preferences. The Gold Brown is celebrated for its balanced characteristics, featuring a slight tactile bump that provides satisfying feedback without being overly pronounced. This switch also boasts a moderate weightiness and a rounded, softer sound profile, making it an attractive choice for those who enjoy a tactile experience while maintaining a quieter environment. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai offers an entirely different experience with its linear design, characterized by a gentle and effortless actuation force that allows for rapid keystrokes and smooth transitions. This switch is perfect for typists who prefer a seamless feel without the interruption of tactile feedback. Both switches have their advantages, appealing to distinct typing styles and user preferences; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown and the TTC Yunhai switches present notable contrasts that significantly influence their acoustic profiles and tactile experiences. The Gold Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its ability to resonate and project sound effectively. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an excellent choice for RGB lighting enthusiasts, as the light can shine through beautifully, amplifying the aesthetic appeal of the key switch. In contrast, the Yunhai's nylon top housing leans toward a softer plastic characteristic, which absorbs more sound and generates a deeper, fuller sound profile. This difference in material properties results in a distinct typing experience, further showcased by their respective acoustic signatures.
When examining the bottom housing of both switches, we find a shared material: nylon. Both the Gold Brown and Yunhai employ nylon for their bottom housings, which plays a crucial role in the auditory experience of the switches. Nylon's softer nature allows for sound absorption, resulting in a rounder and duller sound profile that lends a unique depth to the typing experience. The uncanny similarity in the bottom housing materials suggests that users will encounter a consistent underlying acoustic quality regardless of their choice between the two switches. While the full sound profile will be distinctly influenced by the varying top housings, the bottom housing ensures a sense of continuity in the auditory experience.
The interplay of different housing materials in the Gold Brown and Yunhai switches showcases how they can create both contrasting and complementary characteristics. The polycarbonate top of the Gold Brown brings crispness and clarity, making it a suitable choice for users looking for pronounced acoustic feedback when releasing keys. On the other hand, the Yunhai's nylon top tempers that brightness with a more muted and rounded sound, catering to those who prefer a more subdued auditory experience. Ultimately, while both switches share the same nylon bottom housing and maintain some acoustic consistency in that aspect, their differing top materials create a varied sound profile that can appeal to different user preferences. Thus, by selecting either of these switches, users can appreciate the unique combination of properties that each material imparts and how they collectively shape the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, there is a notable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces that affects their typing feel. The Gold Brown switch has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, categorizing it as a medium weight switch. In contrast, the Yunhai switch is lighter, featuring an actuation force of only 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that users seeking a lighter typing experience, suitable for long gaming sessions or extended work periods, may find the Yunhai to be preferable due to its lower forces. Conversely, those who appreciate a more substantial feel while typing might opt for the heavier Gold Brown switch. Ultimately, while both switches serve distinct user preferences, the Gold Brown offers a firmer typing experience compared to the lighter, more easily actuated Yunhai.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Yunhai linear switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Gold Brown offers a more pronounced depth when pressed, making it potentially more satisfying for users who enjoy a hearty tactile feedback during typing. In contrast, the Yunhai's 3.6 mm travel distance appeals to gamers and those who prefer quicker responsiveness, as shorter travel distances can result in faster key actuation. Ultimately, if you're looking for a more traditional experience with greater depth, the Gold Brown would be the better choice, whereas the Yunhai is suited for those who favor rapid response times with a less abrupt feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
The TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
The sound profile of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch is characterized by its neutral quality, providing a rounded and moderate sound that suits a wide range of environments, whether at home or in a professional setting. This switch is softer than many others, creating a pleasant auditory experience without being completely silent—a feature that might make it appealing for those who are sensitive to keyboard noise. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai linear switch features a deep, rounded sound profile, which complements its lighter actuation force. While the specific descriptors for sound are not detailed, the combination of a lighter touch and deeper tone suggests that typists might find it to be a unique auditory experience, especially when typing quickly.
In the realm of feel, TTC Gold Brown switches provide a balanced experience with a mild, buttery keystroke that many will find accessible. The tactile bump offers enough feedback to confirm actuation, yet it's not overwhelming—ideal for users who prefer a medium tactile sensation without excess scratchiness. The polished characteristics of the Gold Brown contribute to a smooth and refined typing experience, further enhancing its appeal. The TTC Yunhai, on the other hand, is distinguished by its incredibly low actuation force, which suggests a different tactile experience. Unfortunately, specific descriptors regarding the feel of the Yunhai switch are not available, leaving some uncertainty about its smoothness or feedback compared to the Gold Brown.
Overall, both switches deliver unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The TTC Gold Brown excels in providing a balanced sound and feel, making it suitable for a variety of users, while the TTC Yunhai offers a lighter touch with potentially deeper tones. Ultimately, while the Gold Brown leans toward a tactile typing sensation, the Yunhai appeals to those seeking a more effortless linear experience. If you value auditory subtleties and tactile feedback, both switches can be excellent options, resulting in satisfying performance tailored to personal typing styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and the intended use of your keyboard. If you appreciate a more balanced typing experience with a moderate weight and distinct tactile feedback, the Gold Brown is a great option. Its mild, buttery feel, along with a neutral sound profile, makes it suitable for both work and play, especially if you enjoy typing with some tactile feedback without overwhelming noise. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter, more effortless typing experience that allows for fast, fluid keystrokes, the Yunhai switch may be the better choice. With its deep sound profile and gentle actuation force, it’s particularly appealing for those who type for extended periods and want to minimize finger fatigue. In essence, consider the Gold Brown switch when you want a balanced tactile feel for versatility, and opt for the Yunhai switch if you seek a smooth, effortless typing experience tailored for speed and comfort.
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